Star Trek’s ‘Mr. Sulu’ May Have Giant Crater Named In His Honor

It seems the starship Enterprise's helmsman may receive the honor of having a giant hole named after him. No doubt this suits his real-life counterpart George Takei just fine. Oh Myyy!

Recently, Star Trek was snubbed by SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) when it was decided not to name one of Pluto's moons "Vulcan." SETI had conducted an online poll asking voters to select a name for Pluto's natural satellites. "Vulcan" won by a landslide, but the International Astronomical Union opted to veto the results and pursue a different name. According to IAU, Pluto's moons have to be named after characters from the underworld in Greek and Roman mythology. It's the rules.

As a consolation prize, Mr. Sulu may have the privilege of having a giant hole named after him. It seems scientists have more freedom when it comes to naming surface features.

When the New Horizons probe passes Pluto in July 2015, we may get our first closeup glimpse of the Sulu Crater! Think of how excited George Takei will be to see Mount Spock! Could we eventually have detailed images of Kirk Canyon?